twenty-first of August, the work of examining boxes, barrels, trunks and
sacks of clothing, and keeping a minute record of each case, where it
came from, by whom sent, its contents and condition, etc., has gone
steadily on, taking out the various provisions ranging from canned
meats, soups, vegetables, fruits and condensed milk; flour, corn meal,
beans and various preparations of cereals, sugar, tea, chocolate and
coffee; hams, bacon, salt pork, dried beef and codfish; dried fruits,
even to roasts of once fresh meat, potatoes and eggs packed in February
and March; in varying conditions of preservation according to the dual
factors of kind and mode of packing.
That nothing should be lost, such packages of meals and grains as had
been broken in transportation and had become mixed in the box's
contents, were put into barrels to be sent to the Public Soup Kitchen,
that worthy benevolence of one public-spirited citizen of Santiago.
In the process of its repacking for wholesale distribution from the
various centers, the department was able to give much individual aid in
clothing to those cases whose needs were made known to it. Not among the
fewest of these were the soldiers whose privations and forlorn condition
would have to be actually seen to be fully appreciated. The officers,
being unable to procure the necessary articles of clothing, food and
medicine for themselves, their men and their sick, the Red Cross had the
privilege of lending a hand to these brave men who so uncomplainingly
suffered danger, hardship, exposure, sickness and death for their
country's sake, and who so gratefully appreciated the least office done
for them. As one man said to me: "The Red Cross has been a fairy
godmother to us men."
[G] Now Baroness von Schelle of Belgium.
[Illustration: BRINGING IN THE WOUNDED.]
[Illustration: CLEARING FOR A CROSS ROAD.]
Could the story of these sufferers be individually told there would not
be wanting subject matter of much interest; in many cases the thrilling,
tender, or romantic element stands forth.
Perhaps one of the most romantic instances is that of a young American.
A fine specimen of manhood as he stood before me and quietly told me his
story, led on by my interest and questioning: tall, erect, well-knit and
seasoned to meet emergencies; a refined, open, strong face, a well
poised head; one felt the real courage in the man. Over three years ago,
led by high hopes inspired by the cause of suffering Cuba, as set forth
in our land of free press agency, and fanned to a holy flame by the pen
of a ready writer, he set out with the zeal of a crusader to plant the
ensign of true liberty. A handful of comrades they were with hopes high,
burning to do a righteous deed.
Landed upon Cuban soil at evening, this little body of men was embraced
by the natives; on the morrow these new-found friends had looted even
the luggage of their would-be helpers. The life of frontier warfare
began; in combat the Americans were always given the exposed positions
of danger, and were accordingly picked off one by one.
Over a year ago, the friend of this young hero was dangerously wounded
in the hip. A Cuban operation was performed; finally a piece of bone has
worked itself out from the injured hip. The condition of the injured man
becoming serious; food, medicines and clothing growing less; no
possibility of carrying the injured man to find help, the case became
desperate, and for his comrade's sake, the young warrior started
overland to Santiago, a distance of some three hundred miles, in quest
of aid. He, a young French captain and two servants made up the little
caravan for this journey.
Any one who has experienced Cuban roads in the rainy season can imagine
what such a journey means through woods and marsh, over mountains and
across burning plains. That he was not to be daunted he proved by safely
reaching Santiago. Horses had to be discarded and the journey over the
mountains made on foot. Tales of destitution and suffering he brought
from all the country through which he came. People were so scantily clad
that they could not come out to offer a glass of water. Lands laid waste
where the guerilla force had swept by like a swarm of locusts and had
left nothing but desolation behind. It was, indeed, a pleasure to give
of our stores such as the young officer could venture to carry upon
that hazardous return journey, unarmed, for even his weapons had been
stolen, and his recital in Santiago of his experiences had caused
scowling looks from under drawn brows. His hope was to get his wounded
comrade home, or at least where surgical aid may be had before it is too
late.
One of the thrilling tales is that of Marco Sancho, a Cuban warrior, who
was brought in to be clothed. He had been in the country whither he had
deserted from the Spanish ranks to join the Cubans. While one of the Red
Cross staff had been making an overland tour of this province he had
discovered the man and had told him to come to Santiago for medical
treatment. He came with a companion. There his former captain, a
Spaniard, discovered him, had him arrested, threatened him with death
when he was returned to Spain. Fortunately the Cuban bethought himself
of the Red Cross physician and sent word to him of this peril. At the
jail the prisoner was brought out between two guardsmen. A needless
precaution one would think to see the diminutive form of the man.
The Spanish captain was over-confident of his right to punish his
soldier. The thought was suggested that he, a prisoner himself, had no
right to punish a man, who by birth a Cuban, had served in his country's
cause. Pompously he could not see it until by the persuasion of General
Wood's order to liberate the man at once, he became servilely humble.
Marco Sancho was so rejoiced at his escape from horrors untried, that
his agile little framework expressed his entire satisfaction in the
situation by turning a complete somersault.
The tender side to hard soldier life is not wanting. A young lieutenant,
refined yet every inch a soldier and a gentleman, with a something
indefinably fine above the common lot of man, brought in a little Cuban
lad of eight years. He had lost his mother five years ago, and in the
encounter in July his father had been killed. Three officers had adopted
the boy, and were about to take him North when they returned. The
difficulty of introducing a Cuban lad into our civilization habilitated
after the fashion and condition of his native land faced them, when they
bethought themselves of the resources of the Red Cross. The boy himself
was a pitiful object; he had had the fever, the results of which had
left him with a partial paralysis in the hips; he seemed out of physical
proportion; his bright, intelligent eyes, and that peculiar pathetic
soprano of the voices of many of the children in Cuba made him a
strangely picturesque figure. But the manly tenderness of the young
officer as he did the little offices of the toilet for the lad, the
unconsciously gentle tone of his voice as he spoke, the kindly gleam of
his eye as it lighted upon the boy, made a picture not to be forgotten.
As they rolled away in one of the quaintly primitive-looking Cuban
carriages, the front seat stacked with gifts, the little fellow
delightfully spick and span, and confidingly trustful of his future in
the hands of his youthful protector who sat beside him, one felt a
quickening at the heart-strings to know what the adopted son of the
regiment would become, how it would all turn out. Surely, so far as the
boy is concerned, unusual opportunities have opened.
Contrasts stand ever quietly side by side, telling their story to him
who will read, perhaps nowhere else more markedly than here in Cuba,
where the conditions of life are most abnormal.
These few snap-shots at history, as it is making in these stirring
times, show that even behind the closed doors of a wareroom, where the
overlooking, assorting and repacking of cases of garments, which the
kind hearts of people at home have prompted them to send, is not without
its human, vital interest. Meanwhile the work goes steadily on; as each
case is repacked, it is nailed up. A Red Cross label is pasted on, below
the label its contents are duly noted in blue pencil, and the box is
neatly piled, with like cases and barrels, ready to be sent out to the
commissioners, the hospitals, orphanages, medical clinic, outlying towns
whenever the call may come.
Fifty-eight barrels and fifty cases of clothing were put on the
"Clinton" to be taken to Havana. A hundred and eight cases and barrels
have been distributed. About six hundred cases are left in the warerooms
of Casa Buena, there to be distributed by the commission of ladies who
have consented to give out this clothing to the needy. Three hundred and
ninety-eight cases were opened, sorted and repacked, making a total of
about 800 cases, mainly from the cargo of the "State of Texas."
THE RED CROSS OF OTHER NATIONS.
THEIR SYMPATHY AND ACTIVE CO-OPERATION.
It is with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction that I record the fact
that the Red Cross of the United States is, in its relations with all
the foreign branches of the International Society, on terms of mutual
confidence and esteem; and that the utmost cordiality is maintained
through a constant interchange of correspondence.
During many years, before our organization received the attention and
official recognition in this country that it was entitled to, coming as
it did with the prestige of a splendid record in Europe, and the
patronage of the elite of the Old World, I was encouraged and
strengthened by those friends of many nations, but of one humanity, to
hold to the good work until the United States should place itself in the
van of enlightenment and civilization, and catch step in the grand march
onward to universal peace. Many times discouragement and despair battled
with me; and but for the never-ending kindly words that bade me strive
on, I fear I should have been inclined to give up the fight.
The American people are ever so active and full of the work of the
present, that it is a hard matter to interest them in anything that may
be of remote utility or even mercy. Certainly, no other people have
quicker instincts or more generous impulses than they; and none respond
with more alacrity and abundance with the need is present. It was almost
an impossibility to make the average American believe that his country
would ever go to war again; therefore, why should he trouble himself
about war cares or appliances; there would be time enough to think about
those things when war was threatened. Surely no one wanted to fight us.
We, as a nation, attended to our own business, and didn't interfere in
the affairs of other nations; and thus were in no danger of getting into
serious trouble with any one.
Of course, the history of the world was all against any such optimistic
reasoning; but, then, it was said, America was a new country, and laid
on peaceable lines; its intentions were good and honorable and would be
respected; besides, it was so powerful and so remote from other nations
that it was in no danger of attack under any circumstances. That was the
kind of argument one met, when vouchsafed an opportunity to speak in
behalf of the Red Cross. Fortunately, though, there were a few more
thoughtful and reflecting people who could look ahead and see the
dangers; who knew that, however carefully navigated, there were winds
and tides that might veer from her course the good ship of state, and
wreck or damage her on the rocks of discord. These few friends rallied
to the support of the Red Cross, and stood by it through all the dark
days; and now that it has received its "baptism of fire," and the
gracious acknowledgment of gratitude from the President of the United
States, and the blessings of thousands upon thousands of the citizens
and soldiers who have felt its beneficence, they feel, with its
president, that there is at least some truth in the old saying that "all
things come to him who waits."
The alarm of war was all that was needed to bring the American people
quickly to a realization of the necessity for the services of the Red
Cross; and that necessity once recognized, they gave an unstinted
support of themselves and their means. Had there been need for them, the
Red Cross could easily have recruited an army of twenty-five thousand
from the flower of American womanhood. Rich and poor alike gave their
money freely; and doctors and nurses from every part of the country
offered their services for no greater compensation than the privilege to
serve suffering humanity.
To our friends of the Red Cross in Europe and in Asia--nearly all of the
nations of which contributed liberally to our needs during the late
war--we have no words that will adequately express our appreciation and
gratitude for their timely aid; and if I fail to make proper
acknowledgment it is because I am unable to say all that wells up to my
heart for utterance. Let it suffice for me to say that the Americans are
enthusiastic, affectionate, and appreciative; and a kindness once shown
is never forgotten. God grant that other nations may not have to settle
their differences by an appeal to arms; but should such an unhappy fate
attend them, I can say with certainty, that the Red Cross of America
will be only too happy to reciprocate the many kindnesses that have been
equally shown to us and to our late opponents.
To the Red Cross of Spain we extend our loving hand, with the hope that
our two nations shall never more be anything but the warmest friends.
We know how our sister society suffered in this last struggle; and we,
who labored under the banner of "humanity and neutrality"--we, who could
harbor no animosity for a brave people struggling, as they were, for
what they believed to be their rights--lent our assistance to its
countrymen wherever we found them, on the fields, or in the prisons and
hospitals; and it is our proud privilege to say that the Red Cross of
Spain has officially recognized in a most graceful and welcome manner
its high appreciation and gratitude for the good offices we were able to
render in the line of our duty to its sick and wounded countrymen during
the late war.
Remembering with heartfelt gratitude the munificence of Great Britain,
Germany, Austria, Russia, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Holland,
Sweden, Norway, Greece, Turkey and India, I trust it will not appear
invidious for me to especially commend two of their sister countries.
The Red Cross of France, acting in strict accordance with the principle
of neutrality, gave generously and equally to the Red Cross societies of
Spain and the United States for the benefit of the sick and wounded;
while many of its private societies and citizens sent us substantial
remembrances of the long-continued friendship that binds together the
two countries. To all these we say: "God bless you; we shall not
forget."
Soon after the United States had declared war against Spain I received a
letter from the Duke of Palmella, the President of the Portuguese Red
Cross Society, in which he tendered the services of his society to act
as a friendly intermediary between the societies of the belligerent
powers. The geographical position of Portugal, being on the border of
Spain, and the well-known neutrality of her people, made her the natural
agency for this purpose; and as all mail facilities between Spain and
the United States had ceased, we gladly availed ourselves of this
opportunity to communicate with "our friend, the enemy." Of course, the
same offer was tendered to Spain and accepted by that country.
The prime reason for the duke's suggestion was his desire to open a way
for the prisoners of war of both countries to inform their relatives and
friends of their condition and whereabouts. The arrangement worked
perfectly, and many anxious hearts were saved from the rack of
uncertainty; while others were informed of the sad fate that had
befallen their loved ones. How well satisfied our Portuguese friends are
with the service that was rendered is best told in the following copy of
a letter received some time since:
LISBON, _October 22, 1898_.
_The American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C._:
DEAR MR. SECRETARY:--We beg to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed
favor of the first October, enclosing three more letters, the last
to be returned to Spain.
Our work being now arrived at a close, we take advantage of this
opportunity for presenting to the American National Red Cross and
your worthy president our earnest thanks for their kind support in
the accomplishment of the task we have undertaken in behalf of
Spanish prisoners in the United States and their relatives and
friends in Spain.
Again, we have true pleasure in acknowledging, in the name of
hundreds of mothers and wives, whose sorrow and anxiety were
extreme, the invaluable services you and your government have
rendered to them, in order to assure correspondence between the
prisoners and their families--a fact quite new in the annals of
war--the benefits of which are certainly to be valued and cherished
by every sensible heart. For we must not conceal that when we were
determined to ask the assent of the American and Spanish Governments
for such a work, through your kind mediation and that of our friends
in Madrid, most people shook their heads incredulously, and while
admiring the spirit that animated our good wishes, feared that our
efforts would be in vain, and that the Red Cross would find itself
hopelessly out of place in the unusual position it was about to
fill. It is a consolation--indeed, amidst such gloom it is a
transient happiness--to know that such was not the case; and we feel
happy in proclaiming that the most efficient part of that work was,
undoubtedly, yours.
Please accept, dear sir, my sincere regard and distinguished
consideration.
Sincerely yours,
DUKE OF PALMELLA
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
The following address was prepared to be read before a special
meeting of members of Congress as early as the summer of 1888. The
news of the death of General Sheridan prevented the meeting, and no
other opportunity having ever presented, the remarks have waited all
the intervening years. What were the facts then are none the less
true now, either for the Congress or the people, and I adopt the
usual custom in such cases, and ask "leave to print."
GENTLEMEN:--While proceeding to lay before you the various measures to
which I have taken the liberty of inviting your honored consideration,
it may be well to refresh your memories in regard to the principles
involved in the subject of the Red Cross; to recall how, under the
treaty, it stands related to our government, and how, through the same
feature, it relates us to other governments.
The code of ten articles, forming the international compact or Treaty of
Geneva, pledges each nation which unites with it to certain methods of
neutral action and humanity never before formally admitted by nations at
war, and it removes, to the greatest possible extent, all needless
severities hitherto practiced under their usages.
This treaty, said to be the first compound treaty ever formed, came into
existence at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1864. It now includes some thirty
governments. The first efforts towards our own adhesion were made with
the Executive Department; but as it was thought that the text of the
treaty called for some changes in the "Articles of War," it was
submitted to Congress, by which body the adhesion was made in February,
1882.
It ever remains an undisputed fact, that the medical department of an
army never is, nor can be, made adequate to the needs of the sick and
wounded of its battles. Hence the inevitable suffering of the men, the
terrible anxiety and agony of friends at home, and the loss of countless
lives.
The Red Cross creates an organized, neutral volunteer force, from the
people, supplied by the people, but still subject to the regulations of
the military in the field, recognized by and working in full accord with
it, bringing all needed aid in the form of intelligent, disciplined
assistants, and abundant supplies to the direct help and use of the
medical department of an army, and with which department it works, as if
belonging to it.
It created, with great care, an insignia to be the one known and
recognized sign of neutrality in the relief of the sick and wounded of
armies, and in the protection of the military hospital service, the
world over.
This insignia, which has given its name to the treaty, has become
universally known and respected. There is no other military hospital
flag, and no other sign marks the relief designed for the succor of the
wounded soldier, nor protects from capture or harm, either himself or
the non-combatant who goes to administer. It is probable that no sign
nor figure in the secular world is sacred to so many eyes as the Red
Cross of Geneva.
This treaty takes its powers from the common consent of the united
governments of the civilized world. Their rulers sign it. Its
ratifications are officially made by the Congress of Berne, Switzerland.
It recognizes no other features than the relief of the victims, and the
mitigation of the horrors of war.
In its short life of twenty-five years it has assumed the conduct of the
entire auxiliary relief work of the armies of the world. It has given
rise to more valuable inventions, and under its humane impulses sanitary
science has made rapid growth.
By common consent of the powers, at the formation of the treaty, the
worthy body of Genevese gentlemen, who called and conducted the
convention, was formed into an International Committee, through which
only medium the various nations within the treaty communicate, and which
holds the direction of all international relief in time of war. Each
nation, upon its accession to the treaty, is requested to form a
national committee, which committee shall constitute the medium by which
the other governments, through the International Committee, may
communicate with its government.
These national committees are usually presided over by officers very
near the crown or high in authority; as, for instance, the national
president of the Red Cross of Germany is Count Otto de Stolberg, who
recently crowned young Emperor William. Of France, Marshal McMahon; of
England, Lord Lindsay; of Belgium, the King himself.
Their patrons are always of the crown or royal families, as Empress
Augusta of Germany, Victoria of England, Dagmar of Russia, Marguerite of
Italy, and the Royal Grand Duchess of Baden.
Although the object of the organization is people's help for national
necessities, its national branches receive strong governmental
recognition, and encouragement. Every facility which can be is afforded
them, and the patronage of the crown or government in _monarchical_
countries, unlike our own, _means substantial aid_, which is afforded in
many ways.
Each nation is left free to form its national committee in accordance
with the spirit and needs of its nationality. In the formation of our
own, it was thought possible to include other relief than that of war,
and as you already know, America organized for the relief, first of war
then of other great national calamities, such as the government is
liable to be called upon to aid through its public treasury.
We were accepted by the ratifying powers at Berne, with this digression,
and although novel, it has won great approval and is known abroad as the
"American amendment."
Under this civil feature the American Red Cross has aided in twelve
great calamities: one forest fire, five floods, three cyclones, one
earthquake, one famine and one pestilence. It has brought to the aid of
the victims of these disasters, in money and material, many hundred
thousands of dollars, acting as a systematized and organized medium of
conveyance and distribution for the relief which the people desired to
contribute. It has never yet solicited aid, it has scarcely suggested
the raising of relief, but has endeavored to administer the relief which
was raised wisely and faithfully.
[H]Since our adhesion to the treaty two international conferences have
been held: the one at Geneva, by the International Committee, in 1884;
the other at Carlsruhe, by the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Baden, in
1887.